When to Change Struts??????

[gbeers]

I have a 2001 Camry Solara V6 Auto with over 125K miles. I bought her brand new and she sleeps in the garage every night. I was wondering what the mileage was when others have had to change their struts. I know there is a lot variability from car to car based on location and how they drive etc. but was just trying to get a consensus. I inspected them and they seem fine. No leaks, boots are not cracked and the coilovers look fine. The ride seems softer and the bumps seem to hit harder. Even though I mostly use my Tacoma during the winter, New England roads are horrible any time of the year. If you have seen them NE frost heaves and pot holes you know what I mean. I do drive the Solara in the winter on nice days because of gas mileage and to keep things moving.

[Mister_Perkins]

When the struts start to leak, its time to replace them.



Some people replace them before this happens .. the car will start feeling like its floating when going over bumps. If it feels like its floating while going over bumps, its a good indication that they will be leaking soon

[BMR]

You'll get widely varying opinions on that. They slowly degrade over time, so it depends on how "like new" you want to keep the suspension working. Barring a major failure, they'll last a long time if you're OK with less than optimal ride/handling.

On my Camry, the rears failed suddenly at around 140k miles. The back end would bounce numerous times after going over a speed bump or swell in the road. The fronts I just replaced about 10 months ago with ~300k miles on 'em. They weren't leaking or showing any signs of gross failure. But the handling was getting a little "nervous" going over ripply pavement at freeway speeds so I replaced them. Both of them were still holding some of their gas charge when I put them in the dumpster.

[Mister_Perkins]

Yeah i agree with that. Everyone has an opinion on when you should change struts.

(Edit: Most States) says that if they are leaking, you will fail an inspection. But if the ride quality is bouncy, or floaty feeling it will pass. (edit: In Texas, as long as it drives down the road and it passes emissions if prior to 96, it will pass. lol)

I personally dont like my car all bouncy like that, so i change them when they start riding like crap even if they arent bad

[jmc55ma]

I changed my front struts at 120000 and my rears at 170000 because they were leaking. The new struts were monroe sensatrac which gave a firmer ride but i just dropped the tire air pressure from 32 lbs to 29 lbs and seem to ride better.

[JohnGD]

That's probably enough reason. I'd get Monroe QuickStruts with all new components. Many TN members seem to like it. About $125 per corner on rockauto.com, with lifetime warranty.

On when to replace:
http://www.monroe.com/support/FAQ#faq3
http://www.kyb.com/vehicle/replace.php

Originally Posted by gbeers

The ride seems softer and the bumps seem to hit harder.

[AmanO]

Has anyone else heard to replace the mounts whenever you replace struts?

Or is that so common of knowledge that is goes without saying?